Van Gaal has a track record of success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax but he has a reputation of being somewhat of a character in the game.

Mehmet Scholl worked under the current Holland boss as reserve team coach at Bayern Munich, and he told The Guardian that he thinks young players will get a chance at United if his appointment is confirmed.

He said: “The thing is he wants a lot of things from the players and, for the players, it is not easy to satisfy him and so after several months, one or two years, it gets less [about] what the players learn.

“We’re not computers. Sometimes the brain is full. And he still wants [you] to learn, to learn, to learn, high level, every day. Is it annoying? No. It’s exhausting. They lose power. That’s what happened at Bayern Munich. And that’s why he often picks young players because they learn and learn and learn.

“For the big stars it is not easy to work with him but for the young players he is brilliant.”

For some players in and around the current Manchester United side, it might come as a bit of a worry, but any younger player that feels they may not have had the opportunity they would like during their time at Old Trafford might well get one if they can show the 62-year-old they are good enough.

This, as the article in the The Guardian suggests, could cause some divisions in the United dressing room.

One man who may be encouraged is Wilfried Zaha, who was signed for the club for £15m in January last year, and loaned back to Crystal Palace. But once he linked up with the rest of the United squad in the summer, it was thought he was never really given the chance to impress at Old Trafford under David Moyes.

He has only made two appearances from the bench in the Premier League for United this season before being sent on loan at Cardiff City, and he featured in a League Cup tie against Norwich City as well as the Community Shield win over Wigan Athletic.

Adnan Januzaj is also a promising talent as has been demonstrated on several occasions this season, and Van Gaal could be the man who capitalises on the 19-year-old's talent, even more so than under Moyes.

It would seem that as long as players have the appetite to learn then Van Gaal will give them every opportunity if they have the ability.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.